Chinese swimming sensation Sun Yang believes breaking more world records is only a matter of time.

After bagging gold medals in the 400m and 1,500m freestyle events at the London Games earlier this year, the long event's world record holder has already set his sights on smashing his own mark.

"Possibly, I will refresh it soon. I won't be waiting to do it at the next Olympics in Rio. It won't be standing long," Sun told the media during the Asian Swimming Championships in Dubai last week.

The brightest star at the regional meet, Sun had no serious challengers in the pool, sweeping the 200m, 400m and 1,500m free events in championship record times.

After powering his way to new heights in 2012, Sun said his full potential is still yet to be tapped.

"I definitely have the confidence to defend my titles at Rio in four years' time," said Sun, who will turn 21 next month.

"I know clearly where I am (in conditioning and skill level). I am on an upward path with room to be better. London was just the beginning. I will be at my prime in Rio.

"(Michael) Phelps won eight gold medals at a similar age (23) in Beijing. I believe I can deliver gold in Brazil as well."

Sun said his life has changed significantly since his London heroics.

"Being recognized and respected by more people feels really good. But more pressure comes with that as well and somehow you need to release it. That's why I cried after winning (in London).

"Swimming has always been bittersweet for me. I really want to have more rest days but I have never thought about the time to retire. Even if I wanted to quit now, the country wouldn't let me go."

Sun enjoyed an extended break (10 days) during the National Day holidays, but won't get much time to idle away despite the season being over.

He will undergo high-altitude training for a month before flying to Hong Kong for a short tune-up at the end of the year. He will then fly to Australia to train with mentor Denis Cotterell for five weeks.